5.0(2 Reviews)5-Hour Private Fishing Charter in Destin
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 5hour inshore fishing charter for up to 6 guestsMorning and afternoon departure times available dailyProfessional guides provide equipment and target prime fishing spots
Looking for a solid day on the water without the crowds? Get The Gaff Sportfishing Charters runs a top-rated 5-hour private trip that's perfect for serious anglers and families alike. Captain Taylor knows these Gulf waters like the back of his hand, and with morning (6:00 AM) or afternoon (1:00 PM) departure times, you can pick what works best for your schedule. This isn't your typical cattle-boat operation – you're getting the whole boat to yourselves, which means more lines in the water and better chances at filling the cooler.
Five hours gives you plenty of time to work multiple spots and really dial in on where the fish are biting. The boat holds up to 6 anglers comfortably, so whether you're bringing the whole family or a group of fishing buddies, everyone gets room to fish without stepping on each other's lines. Captain Taylor runs a clean operation and knows when to move if the action slows down. You'll hit productive structure and ledges where the big fish hang out, and with two departure options, you can avoid the midday heat or sleep in if you're not an early bird. The afternoon trips often produce just as well as the morning runs, especially during summer months when the bite picks up later in the day.
This charter focuses on bottom fishing and trolling techniques that consistently produce results in Destin's renowned fishing grounds. You'll be working live and cut bait around structure, drop-offs, and artificial reefs where grouper and amberjack love to stack up. The captain provides all the heavy tackle you'll need, including circle hooks and weights appropriate for the depths you'll be fishing. When conditions are right, you might also do some trolling for kings and mahi, running ballyhoo or diving plugs behind the boat. The Gulf bottom here is loaded with limestone ledges and rubble that holds baitfish, which means predators aren't far behind. Don't worry if you're new to saltwater fishing – the crew will get you rigged up and show you the right technique for each species you're targeting.
"awesome experience and amazing fishing highly recommended booking your next trip with captain Taylor." - Riley
Gag Grouper are the bread and butter of Destin fishing, and these chunky bottom dwellers put up a serious fight once hooked. They typically run 15-25 pounds in these waters, though bigger fish over 30 pounds show up regularly. Gags are most active during cooler months from October through March, but you'll find them year-round around structure in 60-120 feet of water. What makes them so popular is their excellent table fare – white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They're also smart fish that will test your drag and try to cut you off in the rocks, so landing a nice gag always feels like an accomplishment.
King Mackerel are speed demons that'll peel line off your reel like nothing else in the Gulf. These silver bullets average 10-20 pounds but can push 40+ pounds when you hook into a real smoker king. Spring through fall is prime time for kings, with the best action typically from April through October. They're most often caught trolling, but live bait fishing around structure can also produce explosive strikes. Kings are prized for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps, plus they make excellent steaks on the grill when properly prepared.
Mahi Mahi bring tropical color and acrobatic fights to Gulf fishing. These brilliant gold and green fish average 8-15 pounds but can reach 30+ pounds for a real bull dolphin. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with floating debris and weed lines being key to finding schools. Mahi are aggressive feeders that often travel in groups, so where you catch one, you'll usually find more. Their firm, white meat is restaurant-quality, and watching them light up in neon colors during the fight is something every angler should experience.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef, using their broad shoulders and stamina to wage war from the depths. These amber-colored fighters typically range 20-50 pounds in local waters, with fish over 60 pounds always a possibility around deeper structure. Amberjack are year-round residents but fish best during cooler months when they're more aggressive. They're known for long, powerful runs straight down toward the bottom, testing both your tackle and your back muscles. The meat is excellent when prepared correctly, with a firmer texture than grouper.
Cobia are the wildcards of Gulf fishing – brown, shark-looking fish that can show up anywhere and fight like nothing else their size. These curious fish often approach the boat, giving you sight-fishing opportunities you won't forget. They average 20-40 pounds but can easily exceed 50 pounds, and their initial runs are absolutely blistering. Spring and fall are peak times for cobia as they migrate along the coast, but resident fish can be caught year-round. They're excellent eating and provide some of the most exciting fishing when you spot one cruising near the surface.
A private 5-hour charter gives you the flexibility to fish at your own pace and target the species you're most interested in catching. With Captain Taylor's local knowledge and a boat that's not overcrowded, you're setting yourself up for a productive day on some of the Gulf's best fishing grounds. Whether you choose the early morning departure to beat the heat or the afternoon trip to avoid the dawn wake-up call, you'll have plenty of time to work the spots where these world-class gamefish live. Don't wait too long to book – the best captains fill up fast, especially during peak season.
Step aboard this fully restored 26-foot Robalo Explorer, your ticket to some of the best inshore fishing Destin has to offer. This classic 1989 center console got a complete makeover in 2021 and runs like a dream with twin 150HP Yamaha engines that'll cruise you to the hotspots at 30 knots. Perfect for up to 6 anglers, she's loaded with everything you need for a productive day on the water – GPS to navigate to those secret fishing holes, radar for safety, and a fish finder to locate where the action is. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working structure, while the onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold. Whether you're targeting redfish in the shallows or chasing speckled trout around the grass flats, this boat puts you right where the fish are biting during your 5-hour morning or afternoon adventure.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of our most unique targets - brown sharks lookalikes that are actually fantastic table fare. These solitary fish average around 30-40 pounds but can reach 100+ pounds and 6 feet long. We typically find them cruising shallow structure, buoys, and wrecks in 20-60 feet of water during spring and summer months. What makes cobia special is they're often sight-fished - you can actually see them swimming just under the surface. They're curious fish that will investigate the boat, and they fight with surprising power for their size. The meat is firm and mild, often compared to shark but much better. Since they're loners, you won't find schools, but that makes each one more rewarding. My best advice: when you spot one, drop a bucktail jig right in front of its nose - they rarely refuse.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are some of the toughest fighters you'll encounter around our reefs and wrecks. These guys average 20 inches but can grow up to 57 inches and 80 pounds - the bigger ones are usually found on deeper offshore structure in 40-150 feet of water. They love rocky bottoms, shipwrecks, and any hard structure that gives them cover. Spring through fall are prime times when they're most active. What makes them special? They put up a serious fight, trying to drag your line straight back into the rocks the moment they're hooked. Plus, they make excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's a local tip: keep your drag locked tight and don't give them any slack - once they get back to their hole, you've lost them. Use circle hooks with live pinfish or cut bait.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the bulldogs of deep water structure - pure muscle that'll test your back and tackle. These bruisers average around 39 pounds but can reach over 100 pounds and 6 feet long. You'll find them on deeper reefs, wrecks, and oil rigs in 80-200+ feet of water. Spring is prime time, especially April and May during their spawn when they're most aggressive. Guests love the challenge - amberjack fight straight down with incredible power and stamina. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. The biggest mistake anglers make is using light tackle - these fish will break you off in a heartbeat. Bring heavy gear, 50+ pound line, and big live baits like blue runners. When you hook one, pump and wind - don't just try to muscle them up.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "Kings" as we call them locally, are speed demons that'll test your reflexes and gear. These silver bullets typically run 15-30 pounds but can reach 90+ pounds in our waters. You'll find them in 40-150 feet, often around structure or temperature breaks where baitfish gather. Spring through fall are peak seasons, especially when the water temps hit 68-84°F. What guests love about Kings is their blazing runs - they're nearly as fast as wahoo and will scream line off your reel. They also make great eating with their firm, flaky meat. The key trick here in Destin is running two hooks on a wire leader when using live bait like cigar minnows. Kings love to bite the tail end of baitfish, so that second hook back by the tail saves a lot of missed fish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fighters in our offshore waters - brilliant gold and green that puts on a light show when they come to the boat. These beauties average 15-29 pounds but can hit 80+ pounds. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100+ feet of water. Late spring through early fall are prime times when water temperatures warm up. Guests love mahi because they're aggressive biters, aerial fighters, and some of the best eating fish in the Gulf with sweet, firm white meat. They're also fast growers that travel in schools, so where you catch one, there's usually more. My go-to technique is trolling ballyhoo or rigging live bait to skip across the surface - mahi can't resist that action since they love chasing flying fish.
5.0 out of 5.0I noticed a crowd of people giving testimony about a trader Mr. KILLIAN BAYER for helping them earn a huge amount of money from tr...
awesome experience and amazing fishing highly recommended booking your next trip with captain Taylor.
Destin